News

Visitors told to keep away from hospital due to norovirus

RESIDENTS are being told to avoid coming to the Alexandra Hospital following an outbreak of norovirus.

Norovirus is a highly infectious illness, and because of this visitors are only allowed in the Alex, as well as the Worcester Royal, under exceptional circumstances.

Limiting the number of people coming into hospital wards reduces the risk of spread of norovirus and helps keep the hospital running efficiently.

Helen Blanchard, chief nursing officer for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “There are now increasing number of cases of diarrhoea and vomiting in the community, which is expected at this time of year.

"We already have in place stringent infection prevention and control procedures in preparation for this predominantly winter illness.

“It can be very difficult to contain the spread of this extremely contagious illness and we are therefore working with colleagues in the community to provide more care in the home unless the patient requires admission because of additional health concerns.

"By working together we can reduce the risk of spreading the infection to patients and staff.”

For the latest information on visiting restrictions, go to worcsacute.nhs.uk.